The Pakistani Consulate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued an important advisory aimed at expatriates, job seekers, and individuals arriving on visit visas, urging them to strictly adhere to local laws and regulations.

In a recent video statement, Hussain Muhammad, the Pakistani Consul-General in Dubai, emphasized the necessity for travelers to familiarize themselves with UAE laws to avoid potential legal complications.

He cautioned that violations could result in severe consequences, including court appearances, imprisonment, hefty fines, or even deportation.

For those seeking employment, the consul-general stressed the importance of verifying the legitimacy of prospective employers through official channels. Job seekers are encouraged to consult the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate-General in Dubai for assistance if there is any uncertainty regarding employment offers.

Additionally, visas issued in Dubai can be verified through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, while those issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah can be confirmed through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.

The advisory also highlighted that individuals seeking information on labor laws and regulations can refer to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) website. For immigration and visa-related inquiries, expatriates are directed to consult Amer Centres.

In case of any criminal activities or disputes, the consulate urged individuals to report incidents to the police immediately. Furthermore, any workplace violations should be reported to Mohre within one year following the cancellation of a work permit.

Expatriates were advised to maintain accessible records of medical documents, valid passport copies, visa pages, updated employment contracts, and financial records. It is recommended that these details be shared with close family members in both the UAE and Pakistan to facilitate assistance if needed.

The advisory also underscored the importance of using official channels for remitting money between the UAE and Pakistan. Moreover, expatriates were warned to protect their personal identification, SIM cards, passports, Emirates IDs, and email accounts against fraud, while remaining vigilant about online banking and credit card scams.

Lastly, the consulate recommended that expatriates obtain life and medical insurance in both Pakistan and the UAE, as well as job loss insurance, to safeguard themselves against unforeseen circumstances.